Training opportunities expanded

The Palaszczuk Government has expanded its successful First Start program and is now calling on eligible not-for-profit community organisations to apply for $20,000 subsidies for trainees.

Minister for Training and Skills Yvette D’Ath said $2.5 million will be available through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative to employ 125 trainees through the program.

“First Start helps jobseekers by providing 12 months of paid employment, and a chance to develop their workplace experience while earning a nationally recognised qualification,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“First Start has already been hugely successful in councils across the state, with 900 places funded since 2015, when the Palaszczuk Government reinstated the program heartlessly axed by the LNP.

“These traineeships are a fantastic opportunity for organisations to develop workers with the skills they need in their team to deliver better services and support in their communities.

“Participants can work and study in a range of fields including business administration, community services, early childhood education and care, hospitality, retail, horticulture and many others.”

Not-for-profit community organisations interested in applying for funding should check the First Start guidelines for funding and contact sqwapps@det.qld.gov.au to request an application form.

Mrs D’Ath recently announced that 64 local councils will recruit 340 additional trainees thanks to $4.25 million from First Start’s 2017–18 funding round.

Skilling Queenslanders for Workfunds skills development, training and job opportunities for unemployed, disengaged or disadvantaged Queenslanders through a suite of targeted skills and training programs.

For further information visit www.training.qld.gov.au/sqw or call 1300 369 935.

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